Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08)

The study will develop and implement a validated machine learning model to optimize voiding cystourethrogram timing and use for diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children, aiming to reduce the significant health and economic impacts of VUR and recurrent febrile urinary tract infections (fUTIs) by standardizing practices, minimizing unnecessary procedures, and ensuring timely diagnosis for those at highest risk, ultimately seeking to prevent renal injury from fUTIs.

This research uses large language models and machine learning to retrospectively analyze electronic health records of patients with suspected sepsis and identify patterns in treatment outcomes, with the goal of shaping future clinical guidelines that help doctors select the most effective antibiotics for each patient, reduce unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, lower the risks of drug resistance, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.